How to Fix a Key Fob That isn't Working

If your key fob isn't functioning There are a few simple steps that can fix it. First, check to make sure it's not the backup remote.

If your backup remote car key repair near me can unlock and lock the doors of your car, then it is likely that the primary remote isn't working. The most common causes of key problems with your car remote are battery or circuitry issues.

Battery

The battery inside a key fob can wear out over time. It is easy to replace the battery. However it is crucial that you use the correct kind. You can consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the right kind. It is also important to check the battery compartment, since dead batteries can leak toxic chemicals that could damage the remote. If changing the battery doesn't fix the issue, there may be other issues that require attention from a professional. For instance, if the buttons appear stuck or broken it could be necessary to disassemble the remote and rework its parts. You can also try reprogramming the vehicle to recognize the new key fob.

Buttons

Due to frequent use, key fobs can get dirty and worn. It is not unusual to have buttons stop working, or to require a hefty push to make them work. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are away from your home and need to start your car. Fortunately, even worn out or broken buttons can usually be fixed with just a bit of time and a few materials you may already have around the home.

First, make sure that the batteries have been correctly installed and that the indentation on the back of the button has been filled. Open the remote carefully and inspect the circuit board. Examine for signs of rust or other indications that the buttons are worn out or damaged, like missing conductive paint. Use a Q-tip dipped into alcohol to gently clean any membrane contact that is worn out or where to repair car key remote conductive painting is missing. Do not rub too vigorously, as this could erode the conductive paint, and block the button from firing when you press it.

Also, carefully check the battery connector terminals for a loose solder connection. If this is the case, simply connecting them back may restore functionality to the button. You can use the same process to restore functionality to any other loose connection inside the fob.

If any of the rubber buttons located at the front of the keyfob isn't working or need to be pressing very hard, the graphite disks at the back of the button might have worn out and need to replaced. You can do this by rubbing a pen over the disks. This will bring the button back to life.

If none of this is useful, or if the button still doesn't respond to a hard press It could be the case that the circuit board itself has gone bad. This can sometimes be repaired by a quick clean and replacing the solder, but it is best to have an extra fob in case this method doesn't work for you.

Circuitry

If the keys fob buttons are functioning the circuit board that is inside your remote might be dirty. The issue can be solved by a thorough inspection. The most frequent causes of dirty circuit boards is water and damaged cases. A damaged case can let water and other debris to get into the circuit board, which can cause it to short out. Water can also damage pins and vias, which are the tiny connectors that are found on the board.

If you're handy enough to open up your key fob and don't mind some mess, we can take off the buttons and put new ones in their place. Also, you should check the connections between battery terminals. They can get very dirty and if they're loose the buttons may not work or even stay in their down position. Soldering terminals and buttons back to their proper positions is usually enough to return a malfunctioning fob back to working.

Non-Remote transponder chips

Sealed non-remote transponder chips are more durable than remote fobs that contain them but they can be cracked by a hole drilled into them or run over by a lawnmowers blade or door handle for a car. Most of the time non-remote transponder chip failures can be blamed on a blown fuse.

If you're able to remove a sealed non-remote key fob and are willing to put up with the mess, you can easily remove the circuit board and test the fuse with a multimeter to ensure that it is functioning as intended. function. If you're unsure about doing this, go to your local hardware store or Oreilly's, and they usually have an radio frequency tester that can let you know whether the key fob transmitting a signal.

Programming

Key fobs aren't impervious to destruction and are susceptible to damage by a variety of factors. They may lose their connection with the receiver in your vehicle due to shocks or a low-battery, which requires changing the program. A professional auto locksmith or main dealer will be able to reprogram your key fob and get it functioning again. In the event that resetting and fixing your key repair fob doesn't work it may be time to replace it entirely.